Marketplace Morning Report for April 30, 2008

From this Episode

GM lost more than $3 billion so far this year. But hey, that's nothing compared to the $38-billion the automaker lost last year. The company blames challenging market conditions and ongoing labor issues. Janet Babin reports.

The economy as a whole will suffer if employers don't do enough to attract and retain older workers. That's the topic of a Senate hearing today on what some are calling a looming crisis in the labor force. Jeremy Hobson reports from Washington, D.C.

Boycotts remain a hot topic among the Chinese, who are upset about coverage of Olympic torch protests around the world. Scott Tong reports from Shanghai about the feeling that foreign media have painted an unfair portrait of China.

The investment funds of oil rich countries are buying up huge chunks of major American companies, prompting calls for a code of conduct. The IMF hosts a meeting today to work on one. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Some politicians want to give Americans a break this summer with a gas tax holiday. Commentator Robert Reich says that would only encourage more driving and, hence, drive gas prices up even higher and fuel global warming.

The New York Restaurant Association is back in court today trying to stop the city from requiring calorie counts on menus. But a new study suggests calorie information might be just what the doctor ordered. Alisa Roth has more.

Exxon Mobil is used to criticism from environmental activists. But now, one of their chief critics is the family that founded the company: the Rockefellers. They're going public with complaints today. Jill Barshay reports.